Today we remember those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for us.

Few families remained untouched by the First World War . My own Grandmother lost her beloved Father, Thomas Henry Hearder Perring , of the Devonshire Regiment . They lived at the time at the Barbican Plymouth, in upstairs lodgings which remain almost unaltered, as it is now the museum.

When I visited the house with my Grandmother before she died she explained how they had lived, where her fathers easle stood, and the yard below where the local boys played football with a makeshift ball . Thomas Perring a scenic and landscape artist studied painting under Opie in Plymouth until one day he left and never returned. A stretcher bearer killed in action on the front .

This is a little painting I made of his son , my Uncle Coyte, a man I knew and loved .He served in the second world war, and did come home. He wrote poetry in quiet moments and this painting includes one of his I discovered in his small note book, long after he too had died.

This Papier – mache sculpture that I made in the 1980’s, (having just left art college), is coming up for sale through Chorleys Auction house Gloucester , at 10 am on May 15th 2018 . I used to sell through Rooksmoor Gallery Stroud at that time …. estimate £60 – £80 .

This small watercolour is of my old embattled cat, once a stray. Now in his dotage, he is my constant companion . As I watch him in deep slumber, warm and safe, his paws and whiskers twitch as relives his youthful adventures .

I would like to wish my dear friends a Happy Christmas, and a healthy & peaceful New Year x . Raise your glass to all those we love that are no longer with us, for they remain in our hearts and thoughts x.

Me and my friend Mark, playing Lady Penelope and Parker on the village green in the 1960’s.

“Don’t be afraid of change”. Oil on board . 2009 . From the series of paintings , “How to live a good life”.

Christmas is a time we try and spend with our families. It is also a time of year I especially miss loved ones that are no longer with us .This painting made in 2009 , depicts a small group of female members of my family.

I have placed my grandmother in the centre of this picture wearing a hat, and wings to denote her passing . She is painted as a young woman before she married and went on to have 7 children . To her left is her beloved sister Dora who died in childhood . My mother is on her right , wearing a ballet dress, she has always loved dancing, especially when she was young . I am the child on the far left , wearing an Hawaiian costume that my Grandmother made for me to enter a fancy dress competition, memorable because I was chosen to give the lady Mayoress flowers , it seems I had a nice curtsey . On the ground close to my mothers ballet shoes is a heart shaped pendent , which holds the picture of my much loved little sister who now has her own daughter . We stand in front of a distant horizon , as girls or young women , before starting on our adult life journeys .

Film maker Buttz and I spent time this year, on a warm summers day at St Breaca Church , Breage , Cornwall. It’s a beautiful ancient Cornish church that houses some wonderful early Christian murals. This space holds for us all, a peace and tranquility, that for me can only be found in nature or other ancient churches.

I was sad to hear the news about Cornwall Councillor Candy Atherton . I met her many years ago when I painted a her portrait .

We met the first time at her home in 2002 , and I remember there was some excitement, as she was about to be married, and showed me her pretty wedding dress. I then began working on ideas for this painting, and felt at the time, it was important to include her engagement ring within the final portrait, to mark that happy time in her life.

If you are going to be in Marazion or planning to visit during the Cornish Celtic Way Walking Festival, you might like to join with friendly company at All Saints Church Marazion . On the following dates projected images from the Pilgrims and Shrines painting will be used as the basis for their Sacred Space Prayers.

Wishing all of you taking part and visiting Flora Day, a lovely time! There is so much hard work and enthusiasm put in every year by all those involved, keeping this important tradition alive. And as always, lots of inspiration for my paintings !

Today I came across a photograph of my fable paintings, hung in 2010 at a solo exhibition at The Art Room, Topsham, Devon . The 28 paintings pictured here were made to fit into the lovely space the gable end wall offered. Debora has since moved her Gallery to new premises in the area. I had forgotten quite how much work was involved….

A little 40 page book entitled ‘Pilgrims and Shrines’ is now on sale and available for £5.00 from All Saints Church, Marazion. The painting, which records why All Saints Church was built on St Michaels Way in Cornwall, also explores life journeys and pilgrimages.

All Saints Church Marazion & I have been working together on a small book, its theme is life journeys . This little publication is for meditation, and accompanies the Pilgrims and Shrines painting now hanging in the church.

The coffee morning was a busy and happy event. It is one of the many ways, a small group of stalwart members of the local community, work so hard behind the scene to raise funds for this church, and other good causes.

In 2015 , I was invited to make a painting for Mawgan Church. It has been a pleasure for me to do this, particularly as it is where I was married to my husband Geoff , in 2005, during the harvest festival.

This is a large oil painting made in 2009 depicting Ken Livingston. It’s title is ‘Recycling Ken’. At that time I decided to have him remade, in my mind he is being sewn into a draught excluder, as I have always found him a bit of a wind bag.

Here are some of the pieces that left my studio in December 2015, destined to become Christmas gifts.

A Portrait commission – oil on wood. This triple portrait was painted onto a pine wooden box, designed to be both useful, and a reminder in years to come of the families happy times. Inside the musical angel is symbolic for one of the family.

I was sad to hear of the death of 82 year old Cynthia Payne last Sunday. She was a real character and a sweet lady with a twinkle in her eye . Some years ago I met her at one of Lord Bath’s Do’s, at a London Embassy. Before parting she gave me her card , when I turned it over it had this message on the back …. she was cheeky !

The ancient Church of St Breaca , found in the Cornish village of Breage , is known for its beautiful medieval murals one of which shows St Christopher carrying Christ as a child on his shoulder .

Mural, St Breaca Church. Breage, Cornwall.

Last year I made a painting for Godolphin Chapel in St Breaca Church , it depicts Mary with Christ as a child. My hope was that by hanging the painting on the wall, originally to the left of the altar , that the image of Mary and Christ might in some way welcome visitors that enter , particularly as the space is also known as a healing chapel. For that reason I did not paint Christ as a babe in arms, as to me, this is a demanding time for any mother, rather, I chose to present them more informally, Christ as a small child, wrapping himself in his his Mothers cloak, compositionally freeing Mary , to ‘connect’ with the visitor .

On 1st Nov 2015 , we attended a Sunday Service taken by Father Peter, a small part of the ceremony marked the refurbishment of The Godolphin Chapel ,( which is connected historically with the Godolphin family and Godolphin House, now a part of the National Trust) . The little Chapel now has new chairs, kneelers , an oak altar rail and wooden chest made by Trefor Bowen and I am pleased to be able to say that ‘The St Breaca Madonna, now hangs permanently in the Chapel, to the right of the altar by request. It seems the congregation wanted to be able to see her in the chapel from their seats , while attending service in the main church .

Last weekend we had to take down Ivy that had grown on the house walls. It was causing real damage . The problem was that our much loved resident sparrows had made it their home, so, after a sleepless night, listening to the rain lashing outside and imagining them clinging on to bare twigs in the dark and rain I made them these. I cut up old boxes , reassembled them, painted them up and today they have been put up in the porch ready for new occupants.

Cathy came to visit me at the studio last week and took a new selection of my paintings back to The Square Gallery. So if you feel like getting some fresh air, blow away those cobwebs, watch the boats bobbing on the sea and pop into the Gallery. You will receive a friendly welcome and get to see lots of inspiring work by Cornish based artists.

As the BBC are presenting ‘All Change at Longleat’ this evening at 9pm. I thought I would look out the study I have, which I made of the Marquess of Bath in 2002. It was painted at Longleat, in his private apartments.

He was a very sweet host , happy for me to check out his wardrobe for colours and fabrics I thought best suited him , but more than that, he was a very patient sitter and interesting to chat with as I worked away mixing colours , reworking parts of the painting as I tried to catch his sparkle and a likeness.

Back in my studio in Cornwall , I used the painting as reference for the large oil portrait I made of him with Boudicca his dog . It now hangs at Longleat House.

Having heard on the news this morning that an Abattoir in Yorkshire was being investigated for cruelty to sheep and lambs, (kicking them in the head) . I thought I would post details from two larger paintings , that honour these beautiful animals.

1.‘Cornish sheep farm’ . I painted this in January, where the lambs and sheep are happy, well cared for and warm .

2.‘St Breaca Madonna and Child’ detail, a painting made for the Godolphin Chapel Breage.

The image of the lamb is a symbol that dates back to early Christian Art , eg The lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, a sacrificial offering, John the Baptist, and many more references .

Last week a client and I picked up a commission that had been framed by Eat Art. Mark and his team did a super job, on this frame he used walnut and gold leaf, the finish is beautiful. It is always interesting deciding how best to frame a piece of work, on this occasion the client was a designer & maker, so between the three of us we had plenty of ideas to throw into the pot .

Last year I was commissioned to make an oil portrait by a lovely client who lives up country. I completed the painting over the summer and I am pleased to say, it will soon be hanging where it belongs.

These photographs record the chapel as it was on Saturday 30th August 2014, decorated with paintings and flowers. The painting Madonna and Child will remain on site .

Thanks to everyone who helped, came along and took part on Saturday, it was a busy and very enjoyable day, and importantly, raised funds for the church.

The ‘St Brecea Madonna & Child’ is currently only on view during services because of concerns about security , however if you would like to view the painting , you are welcome to contact the churchwarden Trefor Bowen to arrange a time . Telephone – 01326 562 521

What’s On: Religious paintings reflect traditional and modern images

One of Zoe Cameron’s paintings which will be on display in St Breaca Church in Breage, near Helston, on Saturday

The 11 oil paintings were especially made by Zoe Cameron for the Godolphin Chapel at St Breaca Church.An artist whose Stations of the Cross series is enjoyed by worshippers at Truro Cathedral every Easter will be holding a one-day exhibition of new religious work in the village of Breage, near Helston, this week.

One of the most striking pieces depicts the war in Syria and represents conflict in the world. It is accompanied by flower paintings on either side, which act as symbolic memorials to the suffering and loss of war.

Zoe, who lives near Helston, said: “This painting was inspired by a news report I heard in June about a woman living in Syria. She told a reporter that in the morning she was making breakfast for her family when she heard a helicopter flying over her house. They dropped a bomb which destroyed her home and shattered he husband’s leg. This troubled me, and I decided to make a painting about it.

“So when this opportunity to put work together in the chapel at St Breaca Church came along, it seemed appropriate to show the painting there for the first time.”

Several of the pieces going on display in Breage this Saturday feature angels, including two small paintings about St Ives.

“Canvases of Adam and Eve will be fitted into the chapel’s oak entrance doors, the subject intended to remind visitors of the biblical creation story,” said Zoe. “A large Madonna and Child will hang to the left of the altar, in which Jesus is depicted standing as a small child, almost absent-mindedly wrapping himself in his mother’s red cloak. And under their feet, the decoration echoes the worn pattern found on the Godolphin Chapel wall.”

Zoe has worked as a lecturer at Falmouth College of Art and Design, Cornwall College, Plymouth University and Exeter University, and led workshops at Tate St Ives. She has held solo shows in Bristol, St Ives, Saltram, Truro, Topsham and Penzance, as well as contributing to numerous mixed exhibitions.

Describing herself as “a believer”, she added: “Although this may be something of a generalisation, I do believe that most Christians are trying to make the world a better place.”

Paintings by Zoe Cameron can be seen at St Breaca Church in Breage, near Helston, on Saturday, August 30, from 11am to 3pm. Admission is free and much of the work on display will be for sale as part of the village’s fundraising event.

A collection of Paintings by Zoe Cameron will decorate Godolphin Chapel, St Breaca Church, Breage, near Helston, for one day only, on Saturday 30th August between 11 – 3pm.

The eleven oil paintings were especially made or selected for the healing Chapel, and include two drawings on vases. A painting depicting the war in Syria, representing conflict in the world, is accompanied by flower paintings on either side, symbolic memorials to the suffering and loss of war. This painting was inspired by a news report I heard in June, a woman living in Syria told the reporter that in the morning she was making breakfast for her family when she heard a helicopter flying over her house, they dropped a bomb, it destroyed her home and her husband lost a leg. This troubled me, and I decided to make a painting about it. When this opportunity to put work together in the chapel came along, it seemed appropriate to show the painting here for the first time.

Syria.

A range of work will be on display. Angels are present in many of the pieces, and in the two small paintings about St Ives on the window ledge. Canvas’s of Adam with a serpent, and Eve are fitted into the chapels oak entrance doors , the subject intended to remind us of where it all began in the Bible. A large Madonna and Child hangs to the left of the Alter ,in which Jesus is depicted standing as a small child, almost absent-mindedly wrapping himself in his mothers red cloak. Under their feet, the decoration echo’s the worn pattern found on the Godolphin Chapel wall .

Waiting for news.

Detail from Madonna & Child.

Detail from Sleep.

Much of the work on display will be for sale as part of the fundraising event. In the Church there will be stalls, a raffle , refreshments and a warm welcome.

Recently while watching the news , a woman in Syria was interviewed, she said that in the morning she was making breakfast for her husband and children when she heard the sound of a bomb falling , the next thing she knew her house had been destroyed and her husband had lost a leg . Troubled by her story, I made a painting.

A kind friend at Truro Cathedral sent me this article to read because it reminded her of my painting of Veronica .

It is a dilema as a figurative painter , what to put in and what to leave out, especially because it seems, as the article suggests, almost human nature to want to see as much as we can of God, through Jesus face as a man, even as means of contemplation. It is I suppose, something we learn as babies , the face is the point of focus where we read each others feelings and thoughts . Bach’s chorals in avoiding visual imagery in favour of music , words and imagination perhaps offer a more uncluttered route to meditation, it seems close in many ways to abstract painting , a bit like using colour, shape and our imagination.

This small, simple piece of work in the form of a travel diptych, interprets the stories of St Christopher crossing the water with Jesus (as a baby) on his shoulders, and to the right, Christ on The Cross.

The oil paintings leave the studio next week, destined for their new owner.

St Christopher taking Jesus across the water as a child and Jesus on The Cross.

A small collection of new oil paintings will be arriving at The Square Gallery, St Mawes the second week of October. Four of the works are directly inspired by old photographs of St Mawes and its characters. The annual Carnival, Castle and a Ship Wreck can all be found in the narrative of these new paintings .

Cathy , Mark and their team will give you a friendly welcome if you are passing and pop in.

The life size portrait of Buttz Yoddles was unveiled at Lander Gallery Truro, on Friday 6th September, to a good humoured audience full of tea and scones. This concludes the filming of ‘Portrait of a Punk’, which is made up of 5 parts, and can be viewed on Youtube , links to follow. Here are a few photos of the day.

Awaiting the unveiling.

Zoe & Buttz.

Buttz Yoddles and Jon Rudd.

The cover is removed.

Jon Rudd & Buttz , holding a gift for Jon , a drawing of them both on the plate.

Zoe Cameron’s latest work will be publicly unveiled for the conclusion of a documentary film.

Punk Singer & Filmmaker, has been making a video documentary on the subject of sitting for a professional portrait. The pair will be joined by SKY TV for a short piece regarding this film,.. and discussing the documentary “Livin’ Out Rock ‘N Roll” (produced by Paolo Sedazzari) about Buttz’s career in the London punk scene through the 80’s. The film has just had it’s premiere in London’s Soho, and been selected to show at the CBGB’s film & music festival New York, this October. It also has a screening on the 30th August at the Portobello Film Festival London.

The portrait will be unveiled by Olympic and World record holding swimming coach Jon Rudd of the Leander Swimming Academy Plymouth who happens to be a fan of Buttz’s bands “The Babysitters” And “Last of the Teenage Idols”.

This summer, the ten ‘Stations of The Cross’ paintings will be returning to Truro Cathedral, in the All Saints Chapel. They can be seen from Sunday 4th of August until Sunday 1st of September 2013. The booklet that accompanies the work, combining prayer and ancient poems, will also available during this time.

The Punk portrait is finished after five weeks and now being framed. There will be a public ‘unveiling’ at a Gallery in Truro. We will be there along with a Sky TV film crew to complete the story, of what happens when you have a portrait painted. We will post the time and date soon.

Returning to Venice in April gave me a chance to revisit Ca Rezzonica, which houses a wonderful art collection , the work of Longhi is special to me, he is the equivalent of a venetian Charles Dickens, his paintings are full of gentle humour, social comment and observation. G B Tiepolo’s ceiling fresco’s found there are another pleasure. Hotel Ca Sagredo has examples of both on their walls and ceiling , amazing.

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